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Time For a CD Player Upgrade

I've been using a Rega Saturn Mk 2.  I recently upgraded my turntable to the Mark Levinson 5105 w/ the Ortofon Quintet Black S.  In comparison my CD's are sounding overly bright.   Any thoughts on a comparable upgrade to my CD listening?  My budget is about $4000-5000, new or used.  The Hegel Viking looks interesting.  Any recommendation for an upgrade will be appreciated. 

 

 

mellowshifi
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,956 posts
 

Melloshifi you can get Marantz SACd player. The Ruby Marantz SAcd player is excellent on SACD or redbook.What cables are you using?

mellowshifi OP
4 posts
 

To answer a few questions, I am running my Rega Saturn stock; no external DAC, no special laser mats or fuses. I am open to an external DAC and other add-ons if they yield a substantial improvement.  I'm using JPS cables.

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,207 posts
 

Stretch it a bit more for the REGA ISIS VALVE cdp/dac pre-owned if you elect to  go all in one

soix
9,355 posts
 

I’d use the Rega as a transport and get a Denafrips Hermes DDC and run i2S from it into a Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC — both would only set you back $3200 and be a big improvement in the direction you’re looking to go.  Just one idea, and best of luck. 

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,850 posts
 

I love my Meridians. They’ve depreciated a lot (fell out of vouge especially since the MQA thing), and you can get an 808v5 or v6 in you budget. They’re definitely not bright, and can hang with a good vinyl setup. As an added bonus they have digital inputs and can be used as a DAC. Their preamp functionality is pretty good, too.

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